Vandals have smashed up a memorial bench near Oswestry installed in memory of two young men killed in an accident.

The families of 20-year-old Mark Pugh and Steven Bishop, 18, say they are devastated by the “thoughtless” damage in Whittington.

Mark, of Ardmillan Court, Oswestry, and Steven, from Western Avenue, Whittington, died when the Vauxhall Nova they were passengers in crashed in Trefonen Road, Oswestry, in December 1999.

The bench was installed in Station Road, Whittington, in their memory after funds were raised by friends.

Mike Pugh and Karen Earl, Mark’s parents, said the bench had been “completely smashed up” and they were “gutted” at what has happened. Mrs Earl said: “We are upset, but we are more upset for the young kids that did this nine years ago to remember their friends.

“There are thoughtless people about and they need to be caught.”

Mrs Earl said they are getting a joiner to look at it and hope it can be repaired and she has been told there could be funds available from Whittington Parish Council towards the cost of repairing the bench – thought to be about £500.

“The whole population of Whittington is up in arms, but there is no suggestion that it’s anyone from the village itself because they all know why the bench is there.”

Pauline Crook, Steven’s aunt, said: “It has been there all these years and there has been no damage to it at all. We are all very upset. Everybody liked Steve; he was a likeable lad.”

The bench was targeted between 8am on Thursday and 9am the following day. Police are now studying CCTV footage of the area.

By Suzanne Roberts